Factory Manager

Fouche & Co Recruitment; Durban; On-site; ZAR 502,000 - 949,000; Full time

Job summary

Fouche & Co Recruitment is seeking an Operations Director to lead the meat processing plant and wholesale division. You will direct production, ensure cold-chain integrity, and oversee store replenishment across channels.

The role requires a National Diploma or Degree in Food Technology, Meat Science, or Operations Management, HACCP training, and 4+ years in plant management, with strong financial literacy and a focus on safety.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years in a factory or plant manager role.
• Experience in cutting plant or food processing facility.
• HACCP and food-safety training mandatory; butcher qualification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own daily and weekly production plans to meet store orders and wholesale demand efficiently.
• Direct processing departments including receiving, boning, cutting, packing, and dispatch.
• Manage factory P&L drivers, yield, labor efficiency, and waste reduction.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and regulatory standards such as HACCP and the Meat Safety Act.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a multi-shift workforce while fostering a strong safety culture.
• Oversee the wholesale channel and ensure reliable store replenishment and high OTIF (on-time-in-full) targets.

Skills

Food safety leadership

Leadership

Production planning

Financial literacy

HACCP

Education

National Diploma or Degree in Food Technology/Meat Science/Operations Management

Job description

A leading integrated meat processing, wholesale, and retail enterprise operating a central plant and a network of butcheries.

Direct the overall safe, compliant, and profitable operations of the meat processing plant and wholesale division, managing production, cold-chain integrity, and store replenishment.

Key responsibilities

• Own daily and weekly production plans to meet store orders and wholesale demand efficiently.
• Direct processing departments including receiving, boning, cutting, packing, and dispatch.
• Manage factory P&L drivers, yield, labor efficiency, and waste reduction.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and regulatory standards such as HACCP and the Meat Safety Act.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a multi-shift workforce while fostering a strong safety culture.
• Oversee the wholesale channel and ensure reliable store replenishment and high OTIF (on-time-in-full) targets.

Requirements

• National Diploma or Degree in Food Technology, Meat Science, Operations Management, or equivalent.
• Essential HACCP and food-safety training; butcher trade qualification strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in a factory or plant manager role within a cutting plant or food processing facility.
• Sound knowledge of South African meat hygiene legislation, yield management, and cold-chain operations.

Attributes

• Strong operational presence on the floor and a zero-tolerance approach to food safety compromises.
• Commercial instinct with solid numerical and financial literacy.
• Calm under pressure with exceptional capability to manage peak seasonal demands.
• Fair, firm, and credible leadership style capable of maintaining high room standards.

Salary

R45 000 - R85 000 CTC monthly

***Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted***